The Apple Tree (12.20.06)

The Apple Tree (Wednesday, 12.20.06, 8:00 p.m.)
Studio 54, New York, NY

By: Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (book, music, lyrics)

Starring: Kristin Chenoweth (Eve, Princess Barbara, Passionella), Brian d’Arcy James (Adam, Sanjar, Flip, The Prince, Charming), Marc Kudisch (The Snake, Balladeer, Narrator), Walter Charles (King Arik, Mr. Fallible, Producer)

Is there a bigger talent that Kristin Chenoweth? Witness her on stage in the Roundabout’s new production of “The Apple Tree,” and it will be difficult to argue that there is. Chenoweth, who plays the lead roles in the three vignettes that form this musical, is at her absolute comic best. She is blithe and joyous as Eve, mischievous as Barbara, and touching as Passionella. She even convinces us that she can’t sing when the part calls for it. She is wonderful.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for The Apple Tree which, while a nice vehicle for Ms. Chenoweth, is otherwise rather dull and uninteresting. Sure, Bock and Harnick’s songs sound pretty and have a snap to them, but by and large the piece, which attempts to tell the story of the relationship between men and women starting with Eden, is lacking is any momentum or in anything interesting to say. One or two common “jokes” threaded throughout the show notwithstanding, there is little connection among the show’s three parts.

The first part -- a retelling of the story of Adam and Eve -- is also probably the show’s best. Largely performed on a bar stage using minimal props and some ladders, the piece -- which is the show’s first act -- is both humorous and touching. d’Arcy James and Chenoweth play Adam and Eve, respectively, and are both charming and humorous. Although much of the dialogue and interaction borders on cliché, it is nevertheless accessible and humorous, and not all that intellectually challenging. Marc Kudisch has some nice moments as The Snake. If there were ever an actor right for such a cartoonish character as this, it is Kudisch. It’s a delicious featured performance.

The show, unfortunately, goes downhill from there. The retelling of the Lady or the Tiger falls relatively flat. Quite frankly, we don’t really care whether Sanjar gets the Lady or the Tiger at all. Things get even worse when we get to Passionella. Although Chenoweth is arguably at her most adorable here (and although there is a sweet, happy ending), but of the 60s Passionella feel comes across as garish and even tacky.The Apple Tree is a highly flawed show, and it really must be viewed solely as a comic vehicle for Chenoweth. Viewed as such, it is a resounding success. Viewed otherwise, it falls far short of the mark either for classic musicals or the Roundabout Theatre.